Windshield Wiper Arms Removal

[Jerry Scholder]

O.K., am I the only one out there who is getting tired of reading DIY threads that appear to be "cheating" when showing how easy it is to perform some of the tasks they are writing about?
Recently, I tried to take off wiper arms from my 2001 740i. I needed an arm puller to even have a chance, yet the thread I read said nothing about the difficulties involved. The arms stop/park in the middle of the windshield when the wipers were turned off, rather than seat properly. I am still in need of a common sense solution as to how to troubleshoot and fix this problem. Lots of suggestions, but not a lot of agreement of what the problem is. Why is it so darned hard to dislodge the wipers from their threaded screws? Any tips on what household tools can be used? How does one approach reseating the arms to the proper location to correct the "parking" problem?

Thanks for the help.

[BillConn]

What are you having trouble with? You got the arms removed? Or not? You got them reinstalled? But now they don't properly park? I can't figure out from your post what you are actually needling help on versus what you are just complaining about.

[Jamos]

I too needed a puller, but they cost nothing and they're good to have around.

As far as parked in the middle, they will do that when you turn them on and turn off the car - it's to allow you to remove the blades. Make sure they are turned off before the car is turned off.

If that's not the case, just make sure you've installed them where you want them, when they are off. . .

[chrisn7]

There are 2 reasons why they are difficult to release
-corrosion occurs between the drive spindle and the arm
-people tighten the nut more than is necessary

Its usually possible to wiggle them free however.

As Jamos said refitting requires a bit of trial and error, as you want the arm to park below the bonnet line, but without the blade striking the windscreen trim

[kakashi]

If you explain it a little better I may be able to help. I have done this job while replacing the wiper motor.